Are you thinking about visiting Santa Fe, and wondering whether it’s an ideal town for kids?
Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico and has been given the nickname “The City Different.”
It’s the perfect location to spend some much-needed time with your kids, as there are so many activities to partake in.
There are plenty of museums, parks, and other kid-friendly activities for the entire family to enjoy.
This guide provides a list of activities in Santa Fe that are kid-friendly.
12 Things to Do in Santa Fe With Kids
Santa Fe Children’s Museum
1050 Old Pecos Trail l Santa Fe, NM 87505 l 505-989-8359
You can never go wrong with a good ol’ children’s museum.
The Santa Fe Children’s Museum is packed with history, science, and art exhibits.
It’s a sure way to keep your kids entertained from start to finish.
This is a perfect destination for toddlers and younger children.
They can participate in several activities including arts and crafts, Legos, and even experiments.
There’s also a rock-climbing wall and a garden for them to learn all about plants.
It’s a perfect attraction to visit while in town.
Santa Fe Plaza
63 Lincoln Ave l Santa Fe, NM 87501 l 505-955-6200
The Santa Fe Plaza has been around since 1821, so it’s a must-see for the entire family.
It’s located in downtown Santa Fe and doesn’t require any payment to explore.
This is a perfect place to relax and watch several different street performers entertain people nearby.
There are also a number of boutique shops and eateries that you can enjoy.
It’s perfect for kids of all ages.
Loretto Chapel
207 Old Santa Fe Trail l Santa Fe, NM 87501 l 505-982-0092
The Loretto Chapel is a highly recommended place to bring kids of all ages, but certainly those at least 8 and older.
This is because older children may show a greater appreciation of it.
It’s a former Roman Catholic Church turned museum and a popular place to have a wedding.
This is a great destination to tour with the entire family and learn all about its history.
While you’re here, be sure to take plenty of pictures and stop by the gift shop to purchase something to take home with you.
Museum of International Folk Art
706 Camino Lejo l Santa Fe, NM 87505 l 505-476-1200
The Museum of International Folk Art has been around since 1953.
It is home to the largest assortment of folk art.
It has more than 130,000 artifacts inside and other pieces for the entire family to take a look at.
The pieces that are on display come from all over the world.
These pieces include religious artifacts, costumes, beadwork, textiles, paintings, and several others.
Your kids will enjoy looking at dolls and toys that come from different parts of the world.
It’s ideal for children of all ages.
Meow Wolf Santa Fe
1352 Rufina Cir l Santa Fe, NM 87507 l 505-395-6369
Since 2016, Meow Wolf Santa Fe has been entertaining guests and tourists alike.
It’s a museum that features many art exhibits.
You and your children can check out over 70 different rooms and exhibits that will provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience.
Most of the areas are narrated.
While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the black-and-white room and the enchanted forest.
It’s ideal for children of all ages.
El Rancho de las Golondrinas
334 Los Pinos Rd l Santa Fe, NM 87507 l 505-471-2261
Another museum on the list is El Rancho de las Golondrinas.
In English, it means “To the ranch of the swallows.”
It’s a pretty nice size museum that is approximately 3 acres in size.
This museum takes you back in time to the 18thcentury.
It’s educational and fun.
There are plenty of hands-on activities for your children to participate in.
There are also several exhibits for the entire family to check out.
Guides are available if you are interested in a more riveting experience.
It’s ideal for children of school age.
Ski Santa Fe
1477 NM, NM-475 l Santa Fe, NM 87501 l 505-982-4429
If you love to ski, check out Ski Santa Fe.
The base elevation here is greater than 10,000 feet.
It is a popular ski resort that provides both lessons and rentals.
You and your family can make a host of memories here.
If you aren’t interested in skiing, have a couple of snowball fights or build a snowman with your children.
If you have older children, skiing may be of interest. Snowboarding is also an option here.
This is perfect for families with children who enjoy winter sports.
Oasis Ice Cream Shop
418 Cerrillos Rd l Santa Fe, NM 87501 l 505-365-2073
One of the most visited ice cream shops in Santa Fe is the Oasis Ice Cream Shop.
It is a nice way to take a break from all the hustle and bustle in the city.
Stop by Oasis Ice Cream Shop to grab a yummy treat with your kids.
There are several different flavors to choose from including chocolate, vanilla, and fruity ice cream.
You can also purchase tacos, nachos, and churros.
It’s family-friendly and perfect for children of all ages.
Santa Fe Botanical Garden
715 Camino Lejo l Santa Fe, NM 87505 l 505-471-9103
Another attraction to take your kids to while you’re visiting Santa Fe is the Santa Fe Botanical Garden.
It is a great way for your kids to get connected to nature.
There are plenty of programs such as the Garden Sprouts.
This program allows you to listen to stories and garden.
Tuesday Family Mornings is another program that allows your kids to participate in hands-on activities including art crafts and more.
While this attraction is open to kids of all ages, some of the programs are designed for kids of certain ages.
For example, the Garden Sprouts program is designed for kids between 3 and 5.
La Lecheria Downtown
101 W Marcy St l Santa Fe, NM 87501 l 505-205-1595
Another popular ice cream shop in Santa Fe is Le Lecheria.
You can never have too much ice cream, especially when you have children.
There are over 12 flavors to choose from in addition to a food menu.
It’s a great way to wind down after a long day in the sun.
Other food options include soups, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Children of all ages are welcome here.
New Mexico State Capitol
490 Old Santa Fe Trail l Santa Fe, NM 87501 l 505-986-4589
If you have children while traveling to Santa Fe, head on over to the state capitol building.
It is a popular destination for tourists.
The architectural design of the building is amazing.
There are also wonderful art hangings throughout the building for you to look at.
There is also a garden that is home to some beautiful plants.
Here, you will find a variety of sequoias and Russian olive trees.
It’s a destination that may be more exciting for teens, but younger children are welcome too.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
131 Cathedral Pl l Santa Fe, NM 87501 l 505-982-5619
It may not sound kid-friendly, but the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is both memorable and quirky.
This is a great church to tour as it offers the opportunity to take plenty of pictures with the entire family.
There’s also a mass you can attend.
This cathedral holds a lot of history from the 19thcentury.
While children of all ages are welcome, older kids may appreciate it more.
Santa Fe Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Santa Fe Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Fe a great location to visit with children?
Santa Fe is a town that makes it easy to bring kids along.
That’s because it’s a town of public art.
There are plenty of attractions that make this town kid-friendly.
Some of these attractions are Santa Fe Botanical Garden, Ski Santa Fe, and Meow Wolf Santa Fe.
Are there any good candy stores in Santa Fe?
The Kakawa Chocolate House is perfect for kiddos who have a love for chocolate.
While they don’t sell Nestle or Hershey here, your kids will be able to indulge in shakes and cookies.
Are there any activities in Santa Fe that cater to kids that love bugs?
If you have children who really love bugs, check out the Harrel House Bug Museum.
There are more than 4,000 insects on display and 100 of them are alive!
Are there any free attractions for kids in Santa Fe?
There are several attractions that are free to get in if you are bringing your kids to Santa Fe.
One of these places is the capitol building.
You can also check out The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis Assisi for free.
Santa Fe is a great town for kids with plenty of activities and attractions, such as the Santa Fe Children’s Museum, Santa Fe Plaza, and Ski Santa Fe, that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Santa Fe is a great town for kids, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep them entertained while also providing educational experiences.